Bill > S00898

This bill aims to improve compensation and career opportunities for state employees who are required to have proficiency in languages other than English. The bill introduces two key provisions: first, it allows the director of civil service to establish a pay differential for job titles that require foreign language skills, based on wage practices in private and public sectors. This additional compensation would be added to the employee's base salary and included in retirement calculations, but would only apply while the employee remains in the language-specific position. Second, the bill mandates that the Department of Civil Service conduct a comprehensive study on state job titles requiring language proficiency, examining factors such as the number of employees, salary grades, job descriptions, employee demographics, examination frequency, career mobility, and potential improvements to these positions. Public employers are required to provide all requested assistance for this study, and the Department of Civil Service must submit a published report to key legislative leaders and the governor's office within one year of the act's effective date. The overall goal is to recognize and better support employees with valuable language skills in state government service.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S898